Abby Dow: From Fracture to World Rugby Star

Abby Dow’s scream when she broke her leg was so loud that, according to what she was told, a nearby child fainted.

“How bad is that? I really should have kept it to myself a bit,” Dow commented with a mix of a half-smile and concern.

Abby Dow

This happened on April 9, 2022, during a Six Nations match against Wales. Dow suffered a spiral fracture with his leg broken in three places and required surgery.The estimated recovery time for this type of injury was about 10 months.Dow’s mind immediately focused on the World Cup, which would begin in New Zealand in October, only six months away.

The chances of playing were remote, a race against time with Dow at a clear disadvantage. He asked the specialist if he could participate in the tournament.

“Honestly, probably not,” they answered Dow.

Specialist

“I remember sobbing and then Emily Ross, my physical therapist, said: ‘we have a small chance and we are going to do everything we can for that small chance’. She worked with me every day.”Ross even witnessed the surgery to understand exactly what was happening. After what he describes as “the most intense period” of his career, with daily physiotherapy sessions, Dow recovered in time to be included in the World Cup team.In the opening match against Fiji, he came on from the bench and scored in the second half.This happened on October 8, 2022, one day before the six-month mark since his injury.

Dow shone, and was a key player for England to reach the final, scoring four tries after overcoming great physical and mental adversity. Although the Red Roses did not win the trophy, Dow gained a lot from the experience.

“I learned a lot about my body, how I should treat it, what I could do with it, and what its limits were,” says Dow. “I think I was quite inexperienced in that sense before. So, coming out of that, I now understand much better what my body needs.”

Abby DowDow has been a crucial part of the team’s development since 2022. Currently, she is one of the first players on the team’s roster, with 54 international matches for England. She stands out for her defense and her attacking threats, with the ability to score and create tries.She also claims to be an expert in “dad jokes” within the team.

“The problem is that I find myself funny,” explains Dow.

Abby Dow

“Well, I don’t think anyone else finds me funny. I usually get a lot of groans, but that means I’m funny. I think I’m great personally, but oh well. Never mind.”

Her passion for crochet came to light before the match against Samoa. After being selected for the game, Dow was knitting in the stands before the start.Whether creating a crochet masterpiece or telling questionable jokes, it’s an example of the mix of personalities that makes the Red Roses unique, likable, and, ultimately, successful.A winning environment begins with the freedom of players to be themselves, which generates culture and cohesion, and success on the field.Whether it’s Dow’s jokes, the podcasts in which several players participate, or social media, each England player has space to express themselves.If England wants to lift the World Cup, their backline will play a fundamental role.Dow and Jess Breach on the wings, along with fullback Ellie Kildunne, have already shown their collective potential, with eight tries between them, despite the fact that Dow and Kildunne have only played one match so far.While the old adage that defense wins games may be true, having an elite attacking line like the one they have is a big reason why England is such a favorite.